When I decided to become involved with the court-appointed special advocate program, I had one goal in mind: to prevent tragedies like the ones that you read about far too often in our area.

It breaks my heart to think of what these innocent children went through. But it also reinforces my decision to commit my time to being part of CASA.

As an advocate for children who’ve been referred to court because of abuse or neglect, the sole mission is to protect their rights, help keep them safe and guide them through the confusing and over-burdened child welfare system.

There are times when it’s hard. But there are more times when it’s the most fulfilling thing. Knowing that you, as a volunteer, are the one constant, caring, adult presence in a child’s life – and that you can lead them towards a safe, permanent home – means the world. More importantly, the volunteers know that they could be saving a child’s life.

You can get all the training and support you need to do a great job as a CASA volunteer from Front Range CASA/GAL, Inc.

I hope people will be inspired by the recent flood of abuse and neglect cases to make a difference as a CASA volunteer. It won’t change what’s already happened, but it could prevent it from happening to another child.

Front Range CASA/GAL is constantly recruiting everyday people, from all walks of life, to become volunteer advocates for these children. What do we look for in volunteers? People who believe that society has a fundamental obligation to these children. People who believe every child has the right to be treated with dignity, to be safe, and to thrive in the embrace of a loving family. People whose hearts break when they hear of another tragedy involving a child.

Editor’s note: Front Range CASA is currently gearing up for the fall training. If you are interested or want to know more about becoming a volunteer, or how you can help, please contact Kiersta Sullivan at 576-7041. Making a difference in the life of a child is rewarding. You can make a difference.